Why Rabbit for Your Pet
The Clean Protein Your Pet Was Built to Eat
Rabbit is one of the most nutritionally complete proteins available for dogs and cats, and one of the most underused. At Blue Ridge Rabbit Meat Co, we raise our rabbits the right way. What ends up in your pet's bowl is exactly what it should be.
Why Rabbit?
Rabbit is naturally hypoallergenic, making it an ideal choice for pets with food sensitivities, skin issues, or digestive trouble. Unlike chicken or beef, the most common pet food proteins, rabbit is a novel protein that most pets have never been exposed to, which means far fewer allergic reactions.
- Lean and highly digestible: lower in fat than most red meats, easier on the gut
- High in protein: more protein per calorie than chicken, beef, or pork
- Rich in B12, selenium, and phosphorus: essential for energy, immune function, and bone health
- Novel protein: ideal for elimination diets and pets with chronic sensitivities
- No common allergens: naturally free from the triggers that cause most pet food reactions
Coarse Grind vs. Fine Grind
Coarse Grind
A chunkier texture with more visible meat and bone pieces. Best for:
- Dogs and cats already comfortable with raw feeding
- Pets who benefit from added chewing work (dental health, mental stimulation)
- Mixing with raw meaty bones or whole prey meals
Fine Grind
A smoother, more uniform texture. Best for:
- Pets new to raw feeding or with sensitive digestion
- Smaller dogs, cats, puppies, or kittens
- Mixing into toppers, patties, or transitional meals
- Pets who are picky about texture
Both grinds include meat, organ, and bone.
The Benefits of Raw Feeding
Raw feeding is about giving your pet food that works the way their body was designed to process it. When you feed a species-appropriate raw diet, you're likely to notice:
- Improved digestion: smaller, firmer stools and less gas
- Healthier skin and coat: less scratching, more shine
- Better weight management: lean protein without fillers or empty carbs
- Increased energy and vitality: real food fuels real performance
- Cleaner teeth and fresher breath: natural enzymes and bone help reduce tartar
- Fewer allergy symptoms: especially for pets reacting to processed ingredients
The Benefits of Rabbit Meat and Bones
Rabbit bones are soft and fully digestible when raw. Unlike cooked bones, which become brittle and dangerous, raw rabbit bones provide natural calcium and phosphorus in the right ratio for bone health, dental benefits from chewing and gnawing, and mental enrichment.
The meat itself is rich in amino acids critical for muscle maintenance, immune response, and organ function. Organs like liver and kidney, included in our grinds, deliver concentrated vitamins and minerals that support long-term health.
Transitioning to Raw: Take It Slow
Switching your pet to raw doesn't have to be stressful. A gentle 7-to-10-day transition gives their digestive system time to adjust. If your pet has a sensitive stomach, err toward the slower end.
Suggested Transition Schedule
- Days 1 to 3: 25% rabbit grind + 75% current food
- Days 4 to 6: 50% rabbit grind + 50% current food
- Days 7 to 9: 75% rabbit grind + 25% current food
- Day 10 and beyond: Full raw meals
Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Start with fine grind: easier to digest and easier to mix during the transition
- Feed at consistent times: routine helps sensitive stomachs settle
- Introduce one protein at a time: don't rotate proteins until your pet is fully adjusted to rabbit
- Watch the stool: some loose stool early is normal as the gut adjusts; persistent diarrhea means slow down
- Add a probiotic: raw goat's milk or a quality probiotic supplement can ease the digestive shift
- Don't panic at detox: some pets briefly shed toxins through skin or coat as they shift off processed food, and this passes
Every pet is different. If you have questions or your pet has a health condition, consult your veterinarian, ideally one familiar with raw feeding.
Ready to start? Shop our Rabbit Pet Food.